Watch: ‘Putin Will Not Stop On His Own,’ Volodymyr Zelenskyy Tells European Parliament On 1,000th Day Of War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a powerful speech at the European Parliament during an extraordinary plenary session marking the 1,000th day of war.
Zelenskyy profusely thanked both the Parliament and its President Roberta Metsola for the continued support and endorsement of European values which, “when translated into action, save lives”.
The tone of his speech was encouraging, he assured the Members of European Parliament (MEPs) and the European Union that Putin is defeatable as long as Europe and Ukraine’s other international partners put up a good fight.
“Putin is focussed on completing this war, he will not stop on his own. The more time he has the worse the conditions become. Every day is the best moment to push Russia harder,” he said, calling for the imposition and continuation of harsh sanctions against the aggressor, particularly targeting its oil industry.
“Putin does not value people or rules, only money and power and this is what we must take away from him.”
Meanwhile, most of the EP’s political groups’ speakers declared their unwavering support for Ukraine and urged for a strong military response from Europe as “that is the only way wars can be won”.
Hungary’s Kinga Gal, who spoke on behalf of the Patriots for Europe Group, had a different message. She urged for diplomacy over arming, reflecting Hungary’s repeated blocking of billions of euros in military aid to Ukraine during negotiations in the European Council.
Metsola’s opening speech repeated her pledges to stand by the people of Ukraine as they endure this ongoing foreign assault, she commended them for their bravery and assured the EP’s support of Ukraine “until freedom, until real peace.”
This action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament’s grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.